Issues in Materiel Distribution: A Background Note

Abstract : This Note develops the approach for a study that would fulfill future requirements for a military supply distribution system. It is based on interviews with 45 senior Department of Defense (DoD) officials who were asked their opinions about the military distribution system. The interviews point to three primary conclusions: the DoD does not have a well-integrated distribution system, managers operating in today's materiel distribution system are often preoccupied with peacetime demands and are largely satisfied with their ability to meet those demands, and the confederation of DoD materiel distribution systems might not perform effectively under wartime demands. (JG)